“You do what? …….. With who? …………… Why?”
Twenty years ago, when I was first developing a practice in Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) and Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW) I got rather used to hearing these questions, usually right after the, “So what is it that you do?” question. While admittedly there were the days when part of me was tempted to say “I’m an accountant” and be done with it, mostly I really enjoyed responding to these questions. Young and enthusiastic, I delighted in the opportunity to share my passion for these new and exciting ways to bring healing and growth to a wide range of people, while at the same time honoring and protecting the inherent nature and wellbeing of the animals I loved and respected.
Two decades later there are still lots of questions, but they appear to be somewhat different. With the explosion of information availability and sharing made possibly through the growth of the internet and social media, and the accompanying explosion in our field of a myriad of new programs and approaches, most people have now heard of the practice of involving animals in the helping professions. I now hear: “How do I get certified?” “Do you have to be a counsellor to do this work?” “Is the animal a tool? Or a partner?” and “What do you actually DO in a session?” These have become the new questions.
But as I reflect, a little less young now but usually still enthusiastic, I wonder how much have the underlying questions really changed? Are we not still asking, Who? What? and Why? So I’m going to return to basics here and answer those ‘old’ questions again, with the added perspective of my last twenty years working in the field.
WHAT are Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) and Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW)?
Equine Therapy Horse at Healing Hooves
Pet Partners (formerly the Delta Society) define AAT as being goal oriented, structured and planned, and delivered by a service professional. Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) on the other hand, can be delivered by non-professionals and do not require treatment goals. Thus a speech therapist who builds a client session plan around interactions with a dog is doing AAT, while a volunteer taking a cat into a nursing home to visit with residents is doing AAA. Both fall within the broader term of Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) and the term ‘Pet Therapy’ is generally discouraged.
Equine Facilitated Wellness is a little harder to pin down as the key players and terminology have changed and evolved considerably over the years. You will hear lots of terms out there including Equine Facilitated (or Assisted) Psychotherapy, Equine Facilitated (or Assisted) Learning and Equine Facilitated Counselling. While the psychotherapy terms are more commonly used in the US, in Canada the term ‘Equine Facilitated Wellness’ has become accepted in most arenas as an umbrella term to include approaches to working with people and horses with both educational (Equine Facilitated Learning) and counselling (Equine Facilitated Mental Health) goals.
So now we have defined some terms, WHAT does the work actually look like? Again there is much variety with a wide range of professionals working with various species of animals, with different client populations and needs. Even within my own practice, Healing Hooves, there is much variety as we work with horses, cats, dogs (and occasionally chickens) with a wide range of clients and professionals in counselling, personal growth and professional development contexts.
Perhaps some examples will help
Our group sessions at Healing Hooves start off in an office like any other group session, to check in with clients, establish safety and provide session direction. But the barn cats making their rounds of the group for cuddles make it much easier to build the context we need, and we soon move outside to the horses, usually with the cats in tow. If we are exploring boundaries that day, perhaps with a group of teenage girls with sexual abuse histories, we may talk about boundaries as other counselling groups would, but the most powerful moment is when a client finds the courage to ask the 1000lb horse to step out of the space she has defined for herself. To get here, she may first need to experience some of the same alarm and helplessness she has come to expect in human relationships, but here it is safer to feel, name and explore those emotions with the animals who she senses understand her pain without judging her, and to accept support from the people who work with them. Asserting her boundary with the horse then opens the possibility to her starting to do the same in other relationships.
On another day we may be working with a child who is stricken with guilt and shame over the time he ‘lost it’ and struck out at a younger sibling. Sitting in the arena with Teddy, our highly mischievous Shetland pony, we read a story about a time when Teddy also acted impulsively out of frustration, and hurt a herd member he cared about. Tears rolling down his face this client tells Teddy, “It’s OK Teddy, you made a mistake. We all do that sometimes, it does not make you bad, we still love you so much, and we always will!” The message we had been trying to give this client about himself sinks in on multiple levels as he throws his arms around Teddy’s neck and soaks his mane with those much needed tears.
That same client, while helping us return Teddy to the field, sees Maggie, our young border collie, furiously chasing her egg shaped ball round the yard. Pausing to watch her barking at the ball my client looks up at me, slightly bewildered. I explain how Maggie has instincts and impulses, often overwhelming for her, to chase horses, and that it is my job to prevent her from doing this, for her and the horses’ safety! While Maggie usually follows these ‘rules’ she does not always like them and chasing her ‘egg’ is a great way for her to let out the resulting frustration and energy. After doing this for a while it is so much easier for her to listen, and to behave in ways which work better for her and everyone else. As we continue on with Teddy, my young client says quietly, “Wish they made those eggs for people”. This opened a door to help him, and his parents, find the equivalent of that egg for him; to recognise that he, just like Teddy and Maggie, has times when his impulses and feelings get very big, and risk coming out in ways which do not work; because finding alternate outlets at those times could help keep him out of all sorts of trouble.
WHO is involved in these fields?
Equine Therapy Pony at Healing Hooves
Firstly there are the animals. At Healing Hooves we have eight horses, three cats, two chickens and a border collie! In the past we have also worked with bunnies and donkeys, and other programs work with many other animals including llamas, goats and sheep. While I prefer working with mammals, due to the shared emotional brain and the cuddle factor, there are programs who work with birds and even reptiles. The critical considerations here are physical and emotional safety of all involved, including the animals themselves. All therapy animals should be trained in whatever interactions you plan them to participate in and be screened as safe for the population they will work with. And as they cannot send a letter of complaint to your HR department or ask for a new job description, it is up to their human facilitators to make sure the animals are happy in their work and that it is good for them too. In AAT animals can be certified and most visitation type programs require this. In EFW this is covered in the first level of training (the EFW-Canada Explorations Training) where the physical and emotional safety and wellbeing of all involved in the work are explored in depth. A key aspect of this is how we view the role of the animal, and at Healing Hooves our animals are so much more than ‘tools’, they are our partners and co-therapists, sentient beings who bring themselves to the work every bit as much as we do.
Next we have our clients. Who can benefit from AAT and EFW is again a huge question with many answers! Much depends on the focus and credentials of the team delivering the service. However research has indicated that these approaches can be particularly helpful with clients suffering from anxiety, post-traumatic stress, behavioural challenges, attachment struggles and relationship conflict. Survivors of abuse and trauma, including sexual assault, also frequently find this approach helpful. At Healing Hooves many of our referrals are for people who have found that more traditional approaches have not worked for them. The child or teen who refuses to attend play or talk therapy may be willing and able to engage with an animal present; and the adult who feels ‘stuck’ in other modalities may find breakthrough when interacting with a four legged therapist.
Finally, what about the people who deliver the services? Again there is such a broad range of therapies and approaches I could not possibly cover them all. Since this article is for counsellors that is where I will focus. Do you need to be a certified counsellor to do counselling work with animals? Yes you do! I am likely preaching to the choir here but there are sadly a staggering number of programs delivering counselling without a counsellor, by involving animals and calling it something else. Professional bodies such as Pet Partners and EFW-Canada work hard to address this by defining the difference between AAT and AAA, and between Equine Facilitated Mental Health and Equine Facilitated Learning, and defining different training and certification requirements for each. Does this mean any certified counsellor can start practicing AAT or EFW? No they can’t! Or at least they shouldn’t, but again it is hard to regulate. It is my firm opinion that people delivering AAT or EFW should have training and certification in both the approach they follow, and with the animals and client base they work with.
But WHY involve animals in your life or work?
It adds cost and complication, so what benefits make it worthwhile?
Equine Therapy Horse at Healing Hooves
Research shows that simply the presence of a friendly animal can have positive effects on our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. For example, in one study, children asked to read aloud in public experienced significantly less stress when a dog (who they did not know or touch) was in the room, and other studies have shown that looking at fish in an aquarium before going for a root canal is as effective in reducing stress as hypnotherapy. Add contact (and the deciding factor here seems to be a positive connection or attachment) with an animal, and the benefits grow. It is now a well proven fact that having an animal in our life can mean fewer trips to the doctor, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and decreases the chance of us dying from a heart attack. Children who have contact with animals tend to have higher self-esteem, be more involved in activities such as sports, hobbies, clubs or chores, and develop more nurturing behavior. They also tend to be more empathetic towards both animals and people. Pet-owning seniors cope better with stress, are more active and less lonely. While animals can enhance our physical and emotional health at any time, this bond is particularly powerful when we are feeling vulnerable, stressed or are facing challenge, loss or major change in our lives, i.e. the times when we may go to counselling.
WHY do I involve animals in my practice?
Back in graduate school I clearly remember thinking, as I learned about the three ‘Person Centred’ conditions required for therapeutic growth to arise, “that’s what I experience with my horses!” And this is what I aim to share with my clients:
Genuineness
Empathy
Unconditional Positive Regard
While I aspire to offer these to my clients myself, I invariably fall short. And then there are the clients who are simply too wounded and defended to believe and accept my offering. But very often those clients can accept and believe it, that ‘invitation to exist in my presence, just the way you are’, from one of my animals. This is what I believe creates the context for counselling and helps keep it safe and therapeutic for my clients. Building upon this foundation the animals provide me with a multitude of opportunities, similar to the examples I shared above, to discuss things indirectly through the animals’ stories and experiences, to explore things experientially with the animals, and to come into the here and now, where our animals spend their lives, and where healing and growth is most likely to arise.
Incorporating animals into your life and work can clearly take many different forms and offer new opportunities for both you and your clients. While there are many important considerations, including getting the right training for your team and ensuring the wellbeing of your animal partners, the potential benefits to you and your clients are, in my opinion, well worth the investment.
If you have any what, why, who or any others questions, that I have not answered for you here, I invite you to e-mail me at sue@healinghooves.ca or sign up for one of our trainings to find out more!
(written for the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, March 2016 and updated November 2020)
“wish they made those eggs for people”… profound
if only others could understand what I feel and know how to help make a difference
I wholeheartedly agree with the positive regard. It is very easy to feel inferior or incompetent. But when I look back over my life, I cannot think of one instance where I felt that way with an animal.
Genuineness. Empathy. Unconditional positive regard.
Enlightening to hear your observations where animals have filled this gap when you didn’t have the ability.
When I was in training for policed based victim services, the coordinator manager, who was also a victim service dog trainer, told us a story of a young child whom was a suspected victim of sexual abuse.
She shared some video documentation with us of the interview approach ( vetting for confidentiality ) and training purposes.
Specially trained police staff and social workers, along side the child’s parents, had tried every trauma informed approach in their attempts to open up the dialogue and encourage the child to confirm what had happened. She brought her best dog into the room and he spent a couple minutes with the child, the VS trainer and the social worker, but the child still did not share. She clarified for us, that what happened next would not normally occur; I feel now being more informed, this was out of due diligence to her belief that her dog is a sentient being, but she decided to leave the dog when both workers left the room; video still running. In a matter of seconds that child reached over and stroked the dog, touched forehead to forehead and disclosed what had occurred.
I have yet to bear witness to another moment of trust such as this.
This is a powerful story Sara! Some things to think about in terms of safety, but certainly shows how animals help us feel safe!
This reminds me of my very first job…I worked at a women’s shelter for abused women and children. I had a boy who was very very withdrawn. I brought my dog to work as I often did as he did not do well alone at home. I brought the child with me while I brought my dog for a walk. He told me I want to talk but I’d rather talk to Nico is that okay? That whole walk he let his worries out to my sweet little dog. That was my ahaha moment regarding AAT.
that is a wonderful example of animals feeling safer to us than people – thank you for sharing this!
Thanks for sharing that
Exactly! ..goosebumps reading this about the boy and your dog 🙂
It’s good to see research done on the physiological effect on humans, in being around animals. I feel more needs to be done in this field, so as to reach more medical professionals, where they can refer to these animal and equine programs.
Hi. In this section, the client centered principles I believe are at the core of the client/animal bond. In some circumstances, clients with insecure attachment can trust and feel accepted by the animal more so then the therapist. I observed this when I did AAT with my dog Beau with youth from YES. After going for a walk and playing with the dog, the teenager seemed more at ease and ultimately felt more comfortable with me as well. With some street wise youth, it may take several sessions for them to come to trust the therapist as well, but with the connection with Beau, they kept coming back and eventually become more comfortable with me too.
So much language and terminology to wrap my head around. Thank you for clarifying some of it here Sue. I teared up a bit when I read about the boy and Teddy and the social story. It is so much easier for humans to be kind to others (especially animals) before we show kindness to ourselves. Humans are so hard on themselves.
I got curious about this work because I know how much personal growth I have made over the course of my life thanks to my own animals. I have also witnessed amazing things with my horses and those that have come to meet them that either required some healing or had been having health issues… horses simply know so much more than we can explain. It is beautiful and I would love to share this with others through my work one day!
I feel like I can relate to so much of this! I also teared up with the boy and Teddy. I too feel that my animals have helped me grow.
The story of Teddy and wishing they had those eggs for humans too… reminding me of how important it can be to have an outlet to reduce unwanted behaviour and impulses that will later lead to feelings of shame or not being worthy.
The feelings of acceptance and self-worth that can come from working with an animal who doesn’t judge past action and lives ‘in the moment’ can be so incredibly valuable. I have been so fortunate to see this work in myself and in the youth in our programs. Again, I may be new to working with horses – but the impact that they have had on me both personally and professionally will be life-long… it has really changed my perspective and my approach.
I think the ability for a client to transfer what they see, or come to understand in the animal, through facilitated and guided conversation, or maybe not, helps client and counsellor to open up “conversations” about behaviours, about feelings, about experiences (Past and future). It seemed that maybe the converation about the “egg” may have been guided by counsellor, and what a wonderful way to bring up impulses and behaviors in a non-threatening, non-judgemental way. Another client may or may not, have recognized this in themselves, or may have said something in a few sessions, but the fact that the clients can see similarities within themselves and animals makes a profound connection, and may facilitate the bond, as they are “just like” that beautiful animal.
It provides the clients with opportunities to think about the animals when they leave the session too, and opportunities to talk about things, as was indicated in the example, with parents and in a “team” approach.
Valuable!!
great observations Charmaine!
I got all teary eyed when reading about how the client consoled Teddy, I found it extremely powerful. I see so many patients that are living at risk and self destructing due to guilt. A mental health professional can tell them over and over you need to forgive yourself and move forward, but it is just not effective. I absolutely loved this scenario on how the client had compassion for the pony, allowing him to say the words it is okay, taking him one step closer to forgiving himself.
For me the reference of the teen girls who need to find the courage to establish boundaries and then ask them to be respected by a 1,000 pound horse was very powerful.
Showing how the animals can be used as a safe and somewhat way to create and reinforce positive behavior and practice in establishing respectful boundaries is wonderful. I think of how so many people who would otherwise be too emotionally attached to a trauma related to an exercise can benefit from the indirect and metaphorical practices of handling animals and how it would expedite the healing process.
I love the way you use stories, even publishing them, to help clients see their story from a different point of view, slightly removed, safer feeling way.
I am also very appreciative of the descriptions/differences in the huge field. I am curious what some of the governing bodies with regard to AAT are. Are they same ones that provide the animal certification you mentioned?
AAT is an unregulated field but there are a growing number of professional bodies that are establishing and defining standards of practice and yes, these are the ones that we discuss in the industry standards section of the training.
I love this post. I had the same thought when I learned about person-centred therapy in school, I feel like animals can offer empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard more easily, and I find that it is easier to embody these qualities when working alongside four-legged co-therapists.
I really resonated with the line, “While animals can enhance our physical and emotional health at any time, this bond is particularly powerful when we are feeling vulnerable” (McIntosh, 2018). When we are feeling vulnerable to have someone just be with us is a powerful mechanism to bring healing. I couldn’t count the number of times I have wept on the neck of one of my horses, or with one of my dogs in my lap. The presence that an animal can give in vulnerable times is absolutely beautiful and this article was very helpful to articulate that methodically and thoughtfully.
Loved reading this post and the stories. The “invitation to exist in my presence, just the way you are” is such a great way to put it. It something animals do so well, and something I have been working on being better at, and have seen better results in my interactions not only with clients, but with other social interactions (limited as they are right now) and with the horses.
The different definitions provided are well laid out and easy to understand. There are so many different facets it can get overwhelming and confusing trying to differentiate between them all!
The statement that I connected with the most was “While animals can enhance our physical and emotional health at any time, this bond is particularly powerful when we are feeling vulnerable, stressed or are facing challenge, loss or major change in our lives, i.e. the times when we may go to counselling.” I have been so fortunate to have horses and dogs in my life that I can turn to during difficult times. I have found during the pandemic, that these relationships have been invaluable to my mental health.
Reading this article, I have a few questions about my background as a teacher and equestrian, and how I can incorporate this into programming without being a counsellor. I look forward to learning about the distinct differences between EFL and EFW.
We will explore this during the certification and next steps sections of the course Brittney – but I think you will likely have a strong foundation for certifying as both an LP and EP
Thanks so much Sue!
I feel like I can really relate to how someone such as a teenage may not be able to open up to a therapist but will open up to an animal. I have been blessed to be able to see this in others and as well as in myself. I know there has been days my horses or animals are the only ones that can truly reach me and help me open up. Sometimes we don’t even know we are holding onto something. But they do!
The read was very insightful. I love what animals are able to do for humans. Can’t wait until the next section to see what I would have to do to have a four legged co-partner.
I think what is so amazing is that animals I believe are always person centered. They have so much to teach us. If we simply are able to slow down and observe they can offer more lessons than any verbal feedback we can possible receive. The power of non-verbal communication and mirror is such an incredible tool.
Throughout my life I turned to my horses to talk about my ‘burdens’, whatever they were at any given stage. The lack of judgement and unconditional feeling was what I was looking for and what I found. This falls in line with the person centered growth approach, which is why I have always leaned toward working with horses/animals with individuals who are struggling with trauma etc.
This article really answers so many questions. To quote “that ‘invitation to exist in my presence, just the way you are’, from one of my animals.” Is just so incredible in so many ways.
Where I work we all have pets and are welcomed to bring them to the office with us. They are amazing at helping us feel more relaxed, most people who come to our office are also quick to smile and crouch down for a pet.
I have animals in my life since I can remember. They have each had their way of pulling me through or getting me through the experiences I have encountered along my journey.
I 100% agree that they allow us to let down our guard and allow us to be vulnerable safely. I also 100% agree that certification and regulation are EXTREMELY important to this ‘because’ of that vulnerability it opens up. We need to learn what to do, expect and how to work through and with not only ourselves and our own triggers, but that of the clients and the things it brings up for the animals as well.
This could so easily be abused, but also, can easily become entangled with our limitations and get dangerous for both client, animal and practice. If we do not understand, we cannot process. Therefore, the learning, the certification are essential to providing the correct care. Animals can help us get there, undoubtedly, but we need to get to that spot too… 🙂
well said Kelly!
Interesting to thing about the equine partner in the role of therapist — at times pushing the individual (ie. the teenage girl), while at other times bringing empathy and compassion (ie. Teddy). I know I have certainly benefitted from my connection to my own horses over the years, and understanding that talk therapy often misses the mark, I am really excited by this learning.
I loved the stores about the animals they really demonstrate how animals can help clients especially the Teddy story. The stories also show the how of EFW the activities with the client were simple and relatable and got the desired result of helping the child something just talk therapy may not have accomplished.
I appreciate the clear definitions and clarity around the numerous terms used in this field. The example of the girl asking a 1000lb being to move speaks volumes. It takes such courage to do the emotional and mental work of moving what feels like 1000lb weights off our shoulders or stepping out of a habit of thinking or behaving that feels so incredibly heavy. I just love this example. I watched my daughter ask her horse to move his body over, and as she took that step, which I new was very challenging, he responded, and the confidence this gave her was so powerful. Thank you for this article Sue.
you’re welcome Dana – I’m glad you like it!
Hey Sue,
Thanks for this breakdown. This is a very broad field and it can get quite confusing. I recall asking you about this in my podcast interview and you explaining the difference between the various acronyms. I also am a covert to the Rogerian psychology modality and when you write about how animals can provide these three pillars it makes so much sense. I am very excited to merge these two fields and passions of mine!
you are welcome John! You are also very welcome to include a link to your podcast here if you’d like as other readers may like to listen to it!
I had chills reading about the child and Teddy. What a powerful way to connect and feel understood (or feel like someone could relate). I love the idea of using story to build on the interactions and relationships and really enhance that connection. Isn’t there also something so validating and comforting about being able to be vulnerable with our emotions with our animal partners?
Thank you so much for sharing some of the distinctions in this broad field!
you are welcome Brittan!
This was a fantastic article. I really liked the part about some clients being too wounded and defended to accept what you had to offer. I can relate to that myself with talk therapy in dark times and also from others stories. I think animals allow a person to trust and be vulnerable without words, just support and compassion, just being present. And this can be a great foundation for a therapist to work off of. I loved reading the comments and hearing others stories like the little boy talking to the dog Nico. I remember a special little girl going through hard times asking me if I would snuggle her like I snuggle my dog Clover. I knew she wasn’t getting the proper attention at home and had picked up on how much I loved my dog and wanted that love too. Animals really can bring about a lot of emotion and comfort in hard times.
I love the statement about the horses are so much more than a “tool” for this work. They are absolutely our coworkers and partners within our role. The horses and animals I feel often times take on more of the “weight” from a session than we sometimes do. All of this just reminds me how utterly important respecting and advocating for your animals are within the practise. Our horses at the ranch have quite the “Self Care” schedule and I LOVE that. They get fed every single day at the same time in the morning so they have time to eat and digest before their work day, they always get weekends off and friday afternoon the gate gets opened to the big pasture so they can live their best horse life during the weekend!! Just goes to show us how important self care is for us aswell!!
I love that there is so many options and possibilities within this field, yet an increasing effort to regulate who is able to practise within this specified field of work .
This is a very informative article. You sound like you are so passionate about what you do, and especially about the animals. The stories was an added bonus and it was interesting to get a glimpse of how the therapy works!
I thought the section on both the three qualities of why we work with horses (genuineness, empathy and unconditional positive regard) and the brief question in the beginning section on “do we use the horses as a tool or do we partner with them” is really powerful.
I actually used to describe my dream career as working as an Equine Facilitated Therapist, ‘using’ horses to deliver therapy and counselling services to _______ populations of people. Now, as a result of reading through these articles I see my dream career as working as and Equine Facilitated Therapist, ‘partnering’ with horses to guide and help clients through the process of healing and growing.
A simple shift, and maybe not one that means much to the random person I am describing it to, but a shift I think that better values and respects the horses, the client’s, and the relationship of the counsellor and horses that are partnered together.
The three qualities of why we work with horses, but that we try with the absolute best intentions to bring to the table as people and therapists, but simply cannot do in the same way as animals is also so special to me, described this way. Is there a resource that you could guide us to in order to learn more about the “person centred” requirements for personal growth? That concept is absolutely fascinating to me!
Yes – that simple shift in language can make a huge difference!
In terms of resources – I would recommend any books from Carl Rogers. WE explore them more in terms of application within EFW in the trainings but looking up anything to do with Carl Rogers and Person Centred Counselling would be a great idea too!
This is such a beautifully written, integrative article, like a arc of healing – you provide information about key terminology, the underlying person-centered principles required for therapeutic growth (i.e., genuineness, empathy, and unconditional positive regard), you bring those underlying principles so poignantly to life in your touching examples, and you close with one of the many gifts of animals, namely, the invitation to exist in their presence, in the here and now, just as we are – and that is where healing growth is most likely to arise – “it is momentary and forever, and here is room for music” (Hugo von Hofmannsthal, 1911). Thank you.
I loved the piece about unconditional positive regard, and how when someone’s defenses are engaged, they may not be in a place where they are able to accept this from another person, even in a counselling role, but it is possible to accept from an animal. I have witnessed this when my daughter and others are around horses, and, we have two cats and a dog at home who provide ample comfort when emotions are running high and other people just won’t do.
This article resonated so much with me as a counselling and psychotherapy student. Whilst studying the three necessary and sufficient conditions my boy Warrior was on my mind as the core conditions are what animals provide without conscious thought. This is something which even Carl Rogers wrote as being the ideal but not always possible and yet with animals it is made possible.
I also loved the concept of Maggie and the egg ball, and it struck me about the actualising tendency. Given the correct environment for growth according to Karl Rogers people will grow to be the best that they can be and in that moment with Maggie, that amazing unstructured natural moment, something for that little boy clicked and natural growth and self awareness occurred.
It sort of struck me, Assistance animals don’t have to be perfect, they just need to be safe because complete perfection is unobtainable and doesn’t teach life lessons.
great reflections here Ella!
I appreciated the example offered where the client asks the horse to move out of her space and the links that are then made with asserting healthy boundaries. I can see how this situation could also be powerful for people experiencing interpersonal conflicts in their lives. It can be frightening to consider setting boundaries with others and even practising with a therapist during a session can be triggering. Doing so gently in an environment surrounded by horses sounds very gentle and nurturing!
Love hearing how the clients make their own self discovery in these situations.
yes – it is always so more powerful (and authentic) when our ‘aha’s’ come from ourselves!
I was really moved by the example of your young client offering such compassion and support to another being. Being able to say “It’s OK Teddy, you made a mistake. We all do that sometimes, it does not make you bad, we still love you so much, and we always will!” is a very powerful example of how animals can teach (or in fact, remind) us all to love ourselves more fully and unconditionally.
I am encouraged by all of the possibilities in this field as well as the efforts being made to regulate it. I find all of the acronyms somewhat confusing and really appreciate you trying to clarify them in this article!
Well written and informative! It is so important to understand the different aspects. So many people take registered vs certification as the same, when it surely is not. It is super important in this field that the facilitator answers and represents themselves correctly.
Thanks Tanja!
Genuineness. Empathy. Unconditional positive regard. I love how when partnering with an animal they can offer this to our clients. Opportunity to experience this is so important when working with clients who feel a lot of stigma.
absolutely – with so many of our clients (and ourselves!) this can be the most powerful and needed aspect of this work, and sadly something many of us don’t receive any where near enough of
Hi Amanda,
I agree! They are such simple yet profound pieces in our work. So important to consider for both our clients and for our animals. The animals can really support our clients in receiving those three aspects when they typically may be challenge in being open to receive that from humans.
I find in my practice those are the key parts in therapy that really help facilitate change. It builds a sense of safety that can lead towards processing trauma/healing.
I appreciated the clarification in this article around the types of therapeutic services/interventions involving animals (i.e. AAT vs AAA). I believe that the field of AAI will continue to grow and I hope to see these services become more regulated. This is important for the safety and wellbeing of both the clients and animas. While reading this article, I appreciated the personal stories that depicted powerful moments between animals and clients. For instance, the mischievous, Teddy, providing space for a client to work through their own feelings of guilt and grief. I believe that animals can add tremendous value in their work and interactions with people!
The story of the little boy and Teddy encompasses all the reasons I wish to incorporate animals into my practice! Despite methodological flaws in AAT studies thus far, such as small sample sizes, lack of a control group, and lack of rigorous testing methods (e.g., randomized controlled controls), the healing power and connection between the boy and Teddy speak for themselves. To echo Megan’s comment above, I also appreciated reading the differences between varying animal practices as they can sound similar. As this article speaks to as well, the practice of AAT has difficulty establishing credit as a reputable intervention given the lack of standardization and regulating bodies. However, in my readings today, I learnt that Pet Partners is launching the “Association of Animal-Assisted Interventions for Professionals” this year. I was thrilled to learn this and am hopeful that this will strengthen the image of AAT! I’ve pasted the link below 🙂
https://petpartners.org/learn/aat-professionals/
I found the phrase ‘invitation to exist in my presence, just the way you are’ very powerful. Many people do not receive that message from other people in their lives, but even more difficult is that many people have never been taught to offer it to themselves. Their own internal dialogue is critical, harsh, and conditional. I often ask my clients what it’s like to live with that internal dialogue 24/7. Most of them respond that it’s exhausting and crushing. Animals have a gentle way of inviting us to be whoever we are, without expectations. We don’t need to be beautiful or talented or witty or successful to be loved by an animal.
yes – this is such a foundational invitation that I strive towards offering but know I struggle to always live out in practice. One of the many reasons I partner with animals!
While working with the students on reserve, I often see that many of them struggle with connection. When bringing them to the farm for visits, I get to see them pick up the cats and pet the dog and totally relax. We are not doing any counselling or planned programming, this is just an opportunity for them to get out of the school and see life in a different place. They become relaxed, carefree and they just want to be there for ever. This was my push to work towards Animal Assisted Counselling because we take many session to build rapport, animals build it with the kids in only a few short minutes.
I love that you said two decades later there are still lots of questions but they appear different. Yes lots of that has to do with the internet and media , but also because I feel people are understanding and seeing the benefits and successes from these programs.
Amazing how the client “senses” and feels that the 1000lbs animal understands her pain without judging her.
The young boy gives Teddy grace that he hasn’t given himself. Telling Teddy that we all make mistakes and that he to is learning from them.
Genuineness. Empathy. Unconditional Positive Regard. Very powerful words! I know animals can offer that, but I’m not as convinced all people can offer that….or maybe they can with the help of animals?
I’m with you on this Tammy – I think that all of us as people struggle to offer these conditions, especially if we are triggered. But, in my experience, having the animals as a part of the team helps significantly!
I am always amazed at how the presence of an animal, but horses in particular, can bring out such deep emotions in people, particularly in those that have suffered trauma. In the spirit of this article and the fact that horses are sentient partners in this work and not tools, I wonder if there is any research on how this type of work with trauma affects the horses?
This is such an important question Daniela and certainly has not been the primary focus of the vast majority of the studies I’m familiar with!
There was an opinion article written a long time ago (about 15 years I’d say?) by Chris Irwin called “EAP’ed off” but it was focused on one specific approach to doing this work which is not usually followed by people who train at Healing Hooves or who certify with Pro-EFW. There is quite a history and context to Chris’s article which I would be cautious about sharing here but if you’d like to read it you can find it here: https://canvas.instructure.com/files/21652046/download?download_frd=1
The safety and wellbeing of our equine partners is a huge consideration in this work and is one which we explore throughout every training. In my experience different approaches, clients and environments impact different horses in different ways. So protecting our horses from harm (physical and emotional) and creating work environments for them in which they can thrive, is very personalised. We have a couple of blog posts which start to explore this area of consideration and please be assured that we do return to it as a major consideration within every training.
https://healinghooves.ca/q4-what-is-the-role-of-the-horse-in-equine-therapy/ and
https://healinghooves.ca/efmh-ethics-interests-of-the-four-legged-therapists/
This is an important question to me as well Daniela. I truly appreciate that Sue’s article asks us to focus on the distinctive and differing aspects of this industry – offering great clarity – and asking us to be honest about our capacities in it, and also asks us to consider how we view the equine/ animal in its role in the activity: tool or partner.
At the equine facility that I run we do have a physician referred group for trauma victims led by health care professionals for which we facilitate a weekly equine wellness experience providing the equine professionalism to support the clinician: it’s a cohort based group activity that lasts six weeks per cohort. I won’t go overboard with details but essentially our staff teach and monitor the engagement between the humans and out horses.
In one of the early sessions when we first began the program we had a troubling experience with a client. Our staff noticed that each horse she went to visit demonstrated clear signs of irritability. Closer observation revealed she was not respectfully engaging. We offered judgement free correction and a reaffirmation of the rules of engagement. Next week the problem persisted. After that session we invited her psychologist to reflect on her client’s behaviour and formulate a plan to correct, or to withdraw from the program so as to not compromise the mental health and wellness of our horses. On the third session all of our staff were on high alert, and sadly the poor behaviour continued despite the fact the client knew the consequences. One of our staff made the suggestion that the client may be attempting to dominate the horse. This rang a bell with the clinician, and an AH HA moment occurred for the mental health practitioner. We did ask the client to leave in order to protect our horses, but we did hear feedback that the experience provided some breakthroughs for the client.
That persons trauma significantly affected the wellness of the horses. We’ve come to observe that our herd shows more signs of fatigue after doing unmounted work in the trauma group than after very physical mounted riding sessions. Experiences like this shine a light on the importance of treating your equine as a partner – perhaps even the senior partner to the wellness relationship between it and the human – requiring fierce advocacy for the equine while they do their part in work. It also shines a light on the complexity of the equine wellness industry in particular around the need for clearly defined roles for each of the subcategories – effectively defining which lane to stay in for each, and when it’s okay to cross over or pass!
Thank you for this article… I also appreciate all of the comments. When I was doing my thesis in 2007/8 in this area I was so overwhelmed with all of the different definitions! Thank you for your continued clarification…
Your stories are so powerful… The one with “Teddy” is just amazing!! I was moved to tears by the transformation and by the connection that the child found…
I remember so many moments like this in my volunteer work (years ago) at Healing Hooves with you Sue. To see children that were so shut down open up in the presence of the horse, or to witness them light up when this 1000-pound animal would follow them around the arena was so moving. There are just no words to even describe the feeling at that moment…
I also like your comments Sue, about being mindful that our animals do not have an HR person to go to. I read that article by Chris Irwin (EAP’d off) when doing my thesis… I don’t remember all of it now. I remember in previous training and volunteer work with Healing Hooves how important the animal is in the relationship and how they were not just a “tool” but how much you advocated for them in this work… I love how all of this aligns with the Rogerian (person-centered approach)… just so beautiful and respectful…
I love the stories above of concrete examples of how just being around animals with their three naturally endowed conditions for growth (genuineness, empathy, unconditional positive regard) brings about change for people. I am always struck by the things that come up experientially for people just being around animals. Often conversations that I would not even have considered having just spontaneously emerge and I have these aha moments of suddenly gaining deeper understanding of the factors at play for my clients. At the same time It is sometimes hard to just trust the process and let it unfold as we as therapists are under so much pressure to lead the client and provide insight, and have all the answers, it seems the most effective therapies create an environment for clients to explore and play within and the healing emerges naturally. Animals just allow this to unfold so effortlessly! I am also very happy that there is growing clarity in definitions and standards of practice! I am hopeful this will make the field safer and easier to share with others.
I loved the article and the examples provided. One of the examples that stuck out to me was when the client related his struggles to the border collie Maggie’s struggles. Many of the clients I currently work with feel that they can’t relate to anyone else, and I hope that by including animals in my sessions, my clients will find that same connection the young boy found.
This article helped to clarify some things for me and helped to open the door as to how the animals can help in the examples given.
I love the idea of the horses being “sentient” beings vs tools. Great article.
At the barn I listen. As a therapist I suppose it’s my nature, but I listen to the way that people talk to their horses after their ride when the rush of “getting into the arena” is over, the adrenalin is receding and they are relaxing. These are the sounds that I enjoy listening to, the kind connectedness they show and the soft spoken words to their horses as they pamper them. This is usually very different from the “pre-ride” and it’s wonderful to witness.
As a registered art therapist for about 20 years, I’ve had plenty of practice answering “you do what?”
The non-judgmental way that animals can invite and comfort people never ceases to amaze me. I love that the presence of an animal can help children and adults to begin feeling calm and reduce their anxiety in stressful situations.
In my negotiations as a HR Manager I requested that I bring my well behaved Standard Poodle. My previous job our company allowed the office staff to bring their dogs to work if they like. I noticed Fridays I would be booked solid in meeting with staff. I found even with the difficult conversation meetings or mediation meetings having the dog there was a great support partner and helped people through the meetings that needed it.
I brought my dog daily to my new company, as I was asked to improve work culture as there was a lot of tenseness and big feelings between staff. Initially I was distrusted and stonewalled by staff due to previous bad experiences they had. Brought the dog in, and starting holding meetings, to introduce my dog and myself. Suddenly people were stopping in today Hi to the dog and over time me!!! And it eventually lead to conversations with me. To start some trust building and improve work culture I asked my ED if we could allow the dog to roam within our office. Initially very against it, I convinced him after showing him the changes already and how this would likely accelerate the progress. Sure enough staff could not resist my dog at their door staring in through the glass at them. Overtime everyones doors opened so he could do his greetings with everyone. Then staff started talking to each other about taking him out the bathroom, or how to organize how many treats he was fed a day and who was feeding him lunch etc. My ED later called him the miracle worker, and I had to agree !
Thanks for sharing this wonderful story and example Jenn! Have you ever written it up? I could see this being a great article/ case study to share how animals can create so much change in a different environment than we usually hear about this happening within!
Hi Sue,
No I have never written it up, but I have discussed it with various people that told me about some difficulties they were having, and I thought it may benefit them in one form or another.
I love how the innate rawness, or vulnerability, of an animal can be such an incredible role model for clients who have developed so many protective layers over their own emotions. Allowing someone to connect to an animal on such a base level without the fear of judgement must be amazing to watch.
I found the example with Teddy to be quite touching. It is amazing how animals can bring insight into our own selves when we get stuck in certain loops that can be harmful or further stunt development. The mutual learning that occurs between humans and animals really illustrates how AAT/EFW can cultivate feelings of connectedness. This article was very informative too in terms of clarifying AAT/ EFW from other bodies .
As an Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator I am seeing the differences in the ways of helping people. I have learned in quite a different manner to work with horses and with people. Not in a counsellor sort of way but an enlightenment of what a person has instilled within them. Working with the horse and the participant make them see that they have empathy and the activities with the horse help build self-esteem. and so much more. I have a cat that we all go to for comfort when we have had a hard day. He is quite the character. I am learning so much with the information in this course.
That’s great Julia! Scope of practice is a such a huge consideration in this work so it is great that you already have such a good awareness of this!
The research about an animals presence reducing anxiety has me thinking about some research that Sue Johnson references around being with a loved one reducing anxiety and the perception of pain. This was an mri study where they put women into the machine under a number of conditions -alone, with a stranger, with a partner with whom they experienced disconnection, and with a partner with whom they felt connected. They told the women they would see a x and would receive a shock. Is all conditions except the last, the women’s brains lit up like a Christmas tree and they reported extreme pain. When their hand was held by a partner with whom they felt connected, their brain was calm and they reported little pain. I may have misquoted some of the details, but the idea is the same…the presence of someone to whom you feel connected is calming. I wonder if we naturally feel connected with animals, and a similar phenomenon results.
Thanks for sharing this study Natasha! It really reminds me of the one where they looked at stress responses when someone was doing an arithmetoic test either alone, with a friend present or with their dog present. The lowest stress responses (and best results on the test too) were when the dog was there. I think the key here is having someone with you (animal or person) who you feel safe, non judged and loved unconditionally with. For some people that will be their partner (as in the study you have shared)while others may experience this more easily with an animal. I see attachment as the underlying factor in all of this, which is why it provides the framework for all of our more advanced trainings!
A comment by one of your young clients really stuck out for me in this article: “wish they made those eggs for people” In this statement the client expresses a want for things to be different, a frustration about how things are and a recognition of what the egg provided for the border collie. Talk about opening the door!! Exploring this young persons “egg”might be would be powerful and the memory of Maggie ripping around with her egg (and what it dies for her) will be forever with him. So powerful! I so get that “you do what?”
I believe many people understand the power of animals (perhaps magnified over Covid?) BUT there’s the occasional parent who would hope their child would come out of session tear stained and sad (as in their mind that means the child did hard work) but are confused or frustrated when see a happy confident calm child emerge instead. This used to get under my skin, but I have learned. I will just continue to do the work with my clients, knowing the power of the work trusting over time a light may go off or a connection or recognition made.
I just love your final statement here Sue:” I will just continue to do the work with my clients, knowing the power of the work trusting over time a light may go off or a connection or recognition made.” I agree this is the best approach. I too in the early days used to worry alot about the pressures from caregivers, funders, referral agencies and the public to do something ‘more dramatic’. But over time have become much more comfortable and confident in the trusting the slow gentle approach, allowing it to unfold and trusting that others will appreciate and value this as and when they are ready.
Firstly, I appreciate the overview descriptors of the variety of perspectives working with animals and people. Being new to this field, I have often wondered about the differences. In reflecting on the importance of Genuineness, Empathy, and Unconditional Positive, it takes me to the unmet “Yearnings” (Internal Iceberg metaphor of Virginia Satir) of so many of our clients. I look forward to exploring this in greater detail.
I love it when different perspectives on things align and support each other like this!
I love the example with Teddy and the client who had hit their sibling. I think people get caught in feelings of guilt and shame, and this can stall therapeutic progress, and also lead clients to distrust the offers of therapeutic rapport between client and facilitator. Re-framing behavior that has negatively impacted relationships through the lens of how horses interact can allow clients to see their behavior outside of guilt and shame. Excellent article. I will also be referring to myself as an accountant from here on out.
A new thing I learned by reading this is about modeling compassion and unconditional love toward the Shetland pony who accidentally injured his herd-mate, and how this can teach clients about self-forgiveness and about feeling safe with their loved ones.
I too had the same lightbulb moment when learning about person centred counselling at university, realising that horses naturally possess the core qualities necessary for counselling. I found the story about Teddy to be so powerful, as it allowed the child to see his own feelings projected back at himself, which is has a massive impact.
I found the story of the child and Teddy very touching. It really drives home how we are taught to forgive others with relative ease, but in our teaching we forget to forgive ourselves. There is this under tone of always needing to be better, and its okay to make mistakes as long as we don’t repeat those mistakes. We also don’t always provide ourselves or others with the needed tools when we do get into that dysregulated states. Seeing the Border Collie using a strategy to release that energy allowed the child realize that its okay to have those feelings as long as the child a a positive way of coping with the feelings. I think that is very powerful, the way that we communicate to others about their struggles. It’s okay to feel the way that you are feeling, there is nothing wrong with them, but we need to find a productive and safe way to release those feelings and energies.
I appreciated the wide variety of interpretations of AAT and EFW in this article alongside the examples. The example with Teddy, as other readers pointed out was an excellent way to highlight modeling behaviour and learning from our actions. Finding what ‘egg’ works for each individual.
This makes me think of the students that I work with and how the whole school environment changes when our resident dog is in house. I find that when students have an animal or something they find comforting they are able to calm themselves and can advocate for themselves, like the egg.
So true! Simply being with animals (or even in nature) can have profound impacts on our nervous system. Through the trainings we explore how to harness this through co regulation while also safeguarding our animals throughout the process!
This is a wonderful article! I loved reading about the examples. I also really appreciate the Carl Rogers nod – empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. Who embodies this more than our animals…..right?
Love the clear explanations of AAT, AAA, EFW and EFL as initially finding these terms a bit confusing and so much overlap in many fields. Really enjoyed reading the examples Sue gives and the comments after as well – especially the interactions with victims who struggled to engage with professionals but then easily opened up with variety of animals.
Remember studying Carl Rogers as part of my OT degree and really enjoyed that section of our training, and love that horses embody the same empathy, genuineness and unconditional positive regard, even when we don’t deserve it!
I love that Rogers is built into an OT degree! I’m glad you’re reading through all the comments – there’s often as much valuable info in there as there is in the main article
I was drawn to your comment about providing clients with experiential opportunities through the animals and using the animals’ stories as a means of initiating client exploration. As a therapist I strive to utilize metaphors or perspectives that resonate with each individual client in order to aid psychoeducation, introspection, interventions, etc. Having an animal as a co-therapist and sentient being, as you’ve described in the article, seems to provide a natural ease to creating these kinds of insightful connections for clients. And how wonderful it must be to see this process in action Sue!
It certainly is Chaundra!
The stories resonated with me on so many levels and for many reasons, though especially the one concerning the young boy who seemingly lashed out at the sibling then showed such empathy for the horse story while sharing the awareness for “making mistakes.” It is so easy to ‘react’ to people or situations, yet sometimes give others more compassion than we give ourselves when making mistakes. Forgiving ourselves can be part of the healing process and letting go off the negative emotions like shame and guilt that we may be experiencing because of the actions – or reactions. The failure to forgive will have consequences and may lead to emotional baggage that we certainly dont need to further our relationship with others, or with ourselves. Research certainly shows that forgiveness is linked to mental health outcomes and choosing to ‘hold on’ instead of ‘letting go’ of these complex emotions or delaying this can manifest more problems for our wellbeing. Thank you for sharing. Kelly G.
The stories resonated with me on so many levels and for many reasons, though especially the one concerning the young boy who seemingly lashed out at the sibling then showed such empathy for the horse story while sharing the awareness for “making mistakes.” It is so easy to ‘react’ to people or situations, yet sometimes we tend to give others more compassion than we give ourselves when making mistakes. Forgiving ourselves can be part of the healing process and letting go off the negative emotions like shame and guilt that we may be experiencing because of the actions – or reactions. The failure to forgive will have consequences and may lead to emotional baggage that we certainly don’t need to further our relationship with others, or with ourselves. Research certainly shows that forgiveness is linked to mental health outcomes and choosing to ‘hold on’ instead of ‘letting go’ of these complex emotions or delaying this can manifest more problems for our wellbeing. Thank you for sharing. Kelly G.
I’m glad you like it Kelly and I agree, forgiveness is such an important theme. We actually have another book – The Heavy Load – specifically exploring forgiveness as I find it’s something that is often very misunderstood and something so many of us struggle with
Thank you, Sue, for returning to the basics of the What, the Who and the Why of this work, most especially with the benefit of two decades of experience and major changes to the professions involved. I feel like folks who are drawn to these types of interventions understand inherently the value of human-animal interactions. But it’s not so clear to everyone. It starts with carefully delineating practices with clear terminology — AAT from AAA, for example. It’s much more than semantics — it’s critical to establishing trust and safety in practice. I believe it’s essential for a profession (especially one premised on helping the vulnerable) to establish credibility and trust. Professional rigour is required to build integrity, credentials, standards of practice, certifications and training, transparency, and accountability.
This is an excellent summary of the who, what, why of partnering with animals in therapy. Thank you for putting it so succinctly! Animals are wonderful. Animals are especially helpful to help create rapport with a child. About 98% of the time when talking to a child who has shutdown or is not wanting to talk at all, just mentioning something about one of my animals usually initiates some conversation.
Thank you for differentiating between terms and shedding some light on a variety of factors of why animals are beneficial in counselling relationships.
What a great article Sue. So many insightful thoughts and ideas shared. I really appreciate how clear it is that anyone offering counselling must be an educated counsellor or therapist. Animals open us up in places that we often couldn’t have imagined. Once open, folks need a place to find peace and safety with it. Skilled counsellors or therapists create that safety.
Thanks Joie – and yes, defining, communicating and staying within our scope of practice is so important!
Animals can add such a level of depth to practice! So lovely to hear some real life examples and how AAT can be applied and the positive outcomes it can have!
A rea;;y thorough article. I am really excited to be involved in this class.. i am looking forward to getting more familiar with all of the lingo. And, of course, expanding my knowledge and deepening my feel.
sounds great Yvonne, I’m excited to be part of this journey with you!
I just love so much that we can be our true genuine self with the animals and receive so much love and acceptance. I feel we have been taught to wear masks in public and most places and this is such a safe rewarding place to finally take that mask off and really get to know ourselves.
Well said Keltie! And I agree – we all need to feel safe in order to take off those masks and horses can definitely help with that!
This article was wonderful in clearing up some of the differences in terminologies within this line of work.
What stood out the most to me is how animals can bridge the gap and how they can be used to relate to an individual. I especially like the story of Teddy and the little boy. The way he could understand himself better by understanding Teddy. I sometimes see that even in my own children. My seven year old daughter is very connected to animals and can often understand situations better if related to her pets.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the examples of how working alongside horses can open up many different opportunities to explore emotions/emotional regulation, boundaries, and building confidence in a safe, empathetic, space. It reminds me of when I was working with a mobile animal program and we brought dogs, rabbits, and chickens into a school that had just experienced the sudden death of a teacher. We were not there to provide therapy, but to give the students a safe space in the comfort of animals. The amount of students, even the youngest ones in Kindergarten, that shared their experiences with death – whether it was their hamster, dog, cat, or grandparent – really opened my eyes to the impact that animals can have in a therapeutic capacity.
Genuineness, Empathy, and Unconditional Positive Regard come naturally to animals, especially horses. It’s no wonder why so many people are drawn to partnering up with them in their practice or choosing to interact with them during a therapeutic session!
I appreciate the clarification of terminology and acronyms. Such beautiful examples of how clients can identify with the horses and feel safe to explore their emotions, connections and find their aha moments. As a facilitator we may see the connections and even explain it in detail but it is not a catalyst until the client can realize it or fell it for themselves.
I really love how this article gives such profound but still simplistic enough examples of how this all comes together that even someone like myself who does not hold a degree can really understand. In my own time spent with the horses and students, I have witnessed how some of the kids or adults that can appear so nervous or unconfident at the beginning of a session can really warm up once they meet the barn critters. I really loved the story of the little boy and Teddy, such a testament in itself the healing power of animals!!